Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Fudge

There’s something incredibly nostalgic about the smell of peanut butter fudge wafting through the house, isn’t there? I can vividly recall afternoons spent in my grandma’s cozy kitchen, her apron flapping as she hummed softly, whipping up this delightful treat. The secret? A simple mix of love, patience, and quality ingredients. “It’s more than a recipe,” she’d say with a twinkle in her eye, “it’s a connection to the past.” This old-fashioned peanut butter fudge has always been my go-to for gatherings and cozy nights, and today, I’m excited to share it with you!

Why you’ll love this recipe

Let’s take a moment to discuss what makes this fudge so special. First off, it’s that creamy, dreamy peanut butter flavor—rich and velvety. If you’ve ever bitten into a piece and felt it melt in your mouth, you know exactly what I mean! This fudge strikes the perfect balance between sweetness and that nutty depth that makes you crave just one more bite (okay, maybe two).

Not only is it indulgently delicious, but the recipe is incredibly straightforward—perfect for both seasoned chefs and kitchen newbies alike. You’ll have this homemade sweet treat whipped up in no time. Seriously, it’s like a delightful time machine that transports you back to simpler days, creating sweet memories one piece at a time. Plus, you get to customize it however you like! Whether you’re adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top or tossing in some chopped nuts, this recipe is a canvas for your creativity.

Gather these ingredients

Now, let’s talk ingredients, the building blocks of our culinary creation.

• 2 cups granulated sugar: This is the sweet magic that transforms into fudge. Feel free to swap with a sugar substitute if you’re watching your sugar intake, but keep in mind it might change the texture slightly.

• 1/2 cup milk: Whole milk is what I recommend for that creamy consistency, but you can opt for almond milk or coconut milk for a dairy-free version. Just remember, the creaminess is key!

• 1 cup peanut butter: This is the star of our show! Use creamy for smooth fudge or crunchy for a delicious bite—your choice. If you have a nut allergy, try sun butter, which works surprisingly well!

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: This little gem adds a warm depth of flavor. Avoid the imitation stuff; your fudge deserves the real deal!

• 1/4 teaspoon salt: A sprinkle of salt elevates the sweetness in this dish. Don’t skip this step—this is where the magic happens!

• 1/2 cup butter: Butter is the secret to that luscious, melt-in-your-mouth texture. You can use unsalted for more control over flavor, or if you’re in a pinch, margarine will work but may alter the taste slightly.

The cooking process explained

Ready to dive into the cooking? Let’s get that creamy fudge going!

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, milk, and butter. Place it over medium heat and constantly stir until it comes to a full, rolling boil. Watching it bubble is half the fun—like simmering potions in a magical world!

2. Once you’ve reached that satisfying boil, resist the urge to stir and let it cook for 2 minutes. Timing is crucial here; this step helps the fudge set beautifully.

3. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the peanut butter, vanilla extract, and salt. This is where it gets wonderfully smooth and delicious—your kitchen will smell divine!

4. Pour the mixture into a greased 8×8 inch baking dish. Spread it evenly for that perfect fudge thickness—you don’t want thin squares!

5. Allow it to cool at room temperature. Resist the temptation to dive right in; patience is key here. Once set, cut into squares and enjoy!

Best way to enjoy it

Now let’s chat about serving this gorgeous fudge. It’s delightful on its own, but why not pair it with a rich cup of coffee or some vanilla ice cream? Imagine the contrast of cold and warm—absolute bliss! You can also top it with crushed nuts or a drizzle of chocolate for that extra flair.

If you’re hosting a gathering, consider placing the fudge on a beautiful platter with fruits like strawberries or apples for a colorful contrast. This not only looks appealing but also balances the sweetness with a refreshing touch!

Storage and reheating tips

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Just make sure to store your fudge in an airtight container to keep it nice and fresh. It will last about a week at room temperature, but you can pop it in the fridge if you’d like it to last longer (but beware—it gets really hard).

Want to save some for later? You can freeze the fudge! Cut it into squares and line them with parchment paper in an airtight container. Just remember to let it thaw at room temperature before diving back in.

Extra tips and advice

Here are a few chef tips I picked up from grandma that will take your fudge to the next level:

• Use a candy thermometer: If you have one, check the temperature—it should reach about 240°F (soft-ball stage).
• Be careful with boiling: Make sure you don’t bring it to a rapid boil too quickly; gentle heat ensures your fudge will have a smooth texture.
• Tasting time: Don’t wait too long to mix in the peanut butter—add it right after removing it from the heat for the best results.

Creative Twists

Want to mix things up a bit? Here are some variations to try:

• Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge: Just fold in some cocoa powder with the peanut butter for decadent chocolate goodness.
• Nutty Crunch Fudge: Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for delightful texture.
• Sweet Swaps: Infuse it with flavors like almond extract or even a dash of cinnamon for a unique twist.

Ingredients list

• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 cup peanut butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup butter

Directions to follow

1. In a saucepan, combine sugar, milk, and butter. Bring to a boil over medium heat while stirring constantly.
2. Once boiling, let it cook for 2 minutes without stirring.
3. Remove from heat and stir in peanut butter, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.
4. Pour the mixture into a greased 8×8 inch baking dish.
5. Let it cool at room temperature until set, then cut into squares.

Common questions

• How long does it take to make this fudge? Total time is about 15-20 minutes, plus cooling time.
• Can I use natural peanut butter? Absolutely! Just be aware the texture may vary slightly.
• What’s the best way to freeze it? Line the fudge squares with parchment paper in an airtight container.
• Can I add chocolate chips? Oh yes! Fold them in just before pouring into the baking dish for a delightful surprise.
• Is there a way to make it dairy-free? Sure! Use plant-based butters and milks for a complete dairy-free version.

I hope you feel inspired to recreate this timeless classic in your own kitchen. Remember, fudge is more than just a dessert; it’s a testament to sweet memories and shared moments. Let it bring comfort and joy to your home, just like it did for mine. Don’t forget to comment and share your variations—let’s keep this delicious tradition alive together!

Use Your Leftovers

Reduce food waste by making these recipes with your leftover ingredients:

One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta

♻️ Uses leftover milk40%

Classic Chicken Pot Pie Pasta

♻️ Uses leftover milk40%

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Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Fudge

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time Cook Time Rest Time Total Time 45 hrs

Servings: 16 Estimated Cost: $ 5 Calories: 400

Description

This old-fashioned peanut butter fudge strikes the perfect balance between sweetness and nutty depth, creating a creamy, dreamy treat that melts in your mouth.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

Fudge Ingredients

• 2 cups granulated sugar (Can be substituted with sugar substitute.)
• ¹⁄₂ cup milk (Whole milk recommended, can use almond or coconut milk.)
• 1 cup peanut butter (Use creamy or crunchy based on preference.)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (Use pure vanilla extract for best flavor.)
• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon salt (Enhances sweetness.)
• ¹⁄₂ cup butter (Unsalted preferred.)

Instructions

Cooking Steps

1. Combine Ingredients

   In a saucepan, combine sugar, milk, and butter. Bring to a boil over medium heat while stirring constantly.
   Mark as complete

2. Boil and Set

   Once boiling, let it cook for 2 minutes without stirring.
   Timing is crucial for proper setting.
   Mark as complete

3. Add Peanut Butter

   Remove from heat and stir in peanut butter, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.
   Mark as complete

4. Pour and Cool

   Pour the mixture into a greased 8x8 inch baking dish. Let it cool at room temperature until set, then cut into squares.
   Resist the urge to dive in instantly.
   Mark as complete

Nutrition Facts

Servings 16

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 400kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 28g44%

Saturated Fat 13g65%

Trans Fat 0g

Cholesterol 30mg10%

Sodium 90mg4%

Potassium 150mg5%

Total Carbohydrate 40g14%

Dietary Fiber 1g4%

Sugars 31g

Protein 6g12%

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* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Consider adding crushed nuts or a drizzle of chocolate on top for extra flair.

Keywords: peanut butter fudge, dessert, nostalgic, easy recipe